Author: mikeyawn

Mike Yawn teaches at Sam Houston State University. In the past few years, he has taught courses on Politics & Film, Public Policy, the Presidency, Media & Politics, Congress, Statistics, Research & Writing, Field Research, and Public Opinion. He has published academic papers in the Journal of Politics, Political Behavior, Social Security Quarterly, Film & History, American Politics Review, and contributed a chapter to the textbook Politics and Film. He also contributes columns, news analysis, and news stories to newspapers such as the Houston Chronicle, San Antonio Express News, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Stamford Advocate, Greenwich Time, Huron Daily Tribune, Laredo Morning Times, Beaumont Enterprise, Connecticut Post, and Midland Reporter Telegram. Yawn is also active in his local community, serving on the board of directors of the local YMCA and Friends of the Wynne. Previously, he served on the Huntsville's Promise and Stan Musial World Series Boards of Directors. In 2007-2008, Yawn was one of eight scholars across the nation named as a Carnegie Civic Engagement Scholar by the Carnegie Foundation.

TCMA InterCollegiate Bowl: The Lead Up

Each year, the Texas City Management Association hosts a conference, for high-ranking public officials to learn more about the challenges facing (and solutions for) local government. One of the goals of the TCMA is to attract, recruit, and develop young professionals who might seek a career in government. To that end, they sponsor the “InterCollegiate Bowl (ICB)”, allowing college students to compete for the title of “Best Public Administration School in Texas.”

Competitors:

Our participation in this contest was unique, in that we are the only undergraduate team competing–indeed, as far as we know, we are the only undergraduate team to ever compete. This year, the competitors included:

Sam Houston State University (The LEAP Center)
UTSA (MPA Program)
TAMU (Bush School’s MPA Program)
SFA (MPA Program)
UNT (MPA Program)

It is a little intimidating, because our competition is generally older (our mean team age is 20) and more professionally experienced. But our goal is not necessarily to win (although we aren’t averse to the idea…), but to do the best we can do. And what we know we can control is our preparation and our professionalism, and we want to excel in those areas.

Contest Components:

The contest consists of five broad components:

Networking: involving developing fully a LinkedIn profile, making connections in City Government, and attending a regional TCMA meeting;
Coaching: working with city professionals to learn the careers in the field;
Community Service: a specific project that benefits the community;
Capstone Project: A research project that can benefit the communtiy;
A knowledge contest: A Jeopardy-style game reflecting the knowledge of the students about city government.

The networking, coaching, and community service aspects of the contest were largely completed prior to the event, and we submitted our completed folder early on Day One of the TCMA.

Our capstone was also completed, but the grading of that component is done at the conference on Day 3. Thus, we stayed late on Day 2, and we set up our presentation so we would be ready for the morning session.

There is much to do before our “showdown day,” which is Saturday, June 22, but we’ve done what we can do, and the results show it!

Of course, the other teams will catch up and get very close to our score before the Jeopardy-Style knowledge contest, but at this early stage, our preparation has paid off!

Navigating the TCMA: Day 1

Following our day of travel and storm-related adventure, we were ready to get down to business in preparation of our “Intercollegiate Bowl.”

The contest is part of the larger Texas City Management Association Conference, in which City Managers (and other managers and stakeholders) come together to learn about trends in urban governance. While all the attendees will be attending sessions on employee retention, staff morale, and urban planning, we, the students, will also be preparing for the ICB.

We were greeted with a much better weather day than yesterday, for which we were grateful.

We were also thankful for the networking lunch, where we learned a bit more about the contest from Crane Petty, and we met with students from other Universities participating in the ICB. It is valuable to us meet with the other students–all of whom are graduate students, and most of whom are already in the professional field.

This was followed by a session led by “young professionals,” in which we had the chance to break into group discussions. Our group were asked questions such as “What is the biggest issue facing your community?” Or “when is a good time to bring up an issue to City Council?” Responses to the latter included comments such as, “when they understand their role better,” “when we get a new city manager,” and “when we can convince them they thought of it.”

The culmination of the day was dinner at “Louie’s Backyard,” where the opening reception was held.

We were fortunate to share a table with Trish Kordas and Dr. Maria Church, the latter of whom is speaking at the conference.

Both were interesting, and they provided tips on networking, public speaking, and promoting a culture of leadership. We are looking forward to Dr. Church’s talk!

As our first day wound down, we found new ways to enjoy it. Olivia won a gift basket, we listened to the band play oldies, and we spent time with friends and mentors, such as Aron Kulhavy and Sam Maisel, while meeting other professionals in the field.

Of course, the City Managers and other City staff did not have an ICB to prepare for, so we left a bit earlier than the others. Following a debriefing at the hotel, we renewed our studying for the Jeopardy contest, which will likely decide the ultimate winner of the title, “The Best Public Administration Program in Texas.”

Making the Most of a Dark and Stormy Day

Yes, Tropical Storm Albert is encroaching on the Gulf of Mexico, but duty beckons. The LEAP Ambassadors are representing SHSU and the City of Huntsville in the TCMA‘s annual “Intercollegiate Bowl (ICB),” in which University programs compete for the title of the “Best Public Administration Program in Texas.”

But to participate, we first had to get there, and this involved loading up a 12-passenger van, and driving the eight hours to South Padre. Eight hours is a long time, but it’s especially a long time when it involves navigating a tropical storm.

University of St. Thomas

In our typical LEAP fashion, however, we made the most of our travels by learning as much as possible. Thus, we did a bit of homework on modern architecture and, specifically, Philip Johnson, whose buildings dotted our travels.

Our first stop was the University of St. Thomas, where we saw Johnson’s beautiful “St. Basil Chapel.” This post-modern design features a sphere (the dome), a cube (the chapel proper), and a plane, the latter of which cuts through the structure.

The front, made of concrete, is marked by a conspicuous cleft on the right side.

This is the entrance, designed to resemble a tent’s entrance, and it serves as a transitional space, ushering visitors in from the outdoors, but not quite indoors.

From this de-facto foyer, doors then lead into the interior, which is as beautiful as the exterior.

The Ceiling of the St. Basil Chapel (*Olivia Discon)*

Along the wall was an etching of the stations of the cross…

Victoria Medrano following the Stations of the Cross (*Olivia Discon*)

… a beautiful sculpture served functionally as the alter; and a pipe organ loomed large on the front-right wall.

The interior was illuminated through three openings, providing a diffuse and ethereal lighting of the chapel.

The chapel is the culmination of an “academic village,” which Johnson modeled after Thomas Jefferson’s design of the University of Virginia (which we visited in March!). In Johnson’s case, the chapel is at the north end of the campus, with the library on the south end, and academic buildings on the east and west sides.

And, interestingly, in one of those buildings, we saw the artwork of an old friend, David Adickes!

Smither Park

Although it rained for about 90 percent of the day, the precipitation courteously stopped or slowed at key points along our journey, including a stop at Houston’s Smither Park.

Recycled mundanities are placed in ways that create patterns which, in turn, can create beauty.

Thus discarded tiles turn into a river; old SHSU pins turn into a bright sun;

and broken glass, old signs, and other odds and ends turn into a “Fish Amphitheater.”

And have you ever seen a gecko playing the piano?

Corpus Christi

A few hours later, we rolled into Corpus Christi, where we resumed both our Philip Johnson tutorial and our refresher in Huntsville natives central to the Texas art world. Although the Art Museum of South Texas, showing much less resilience than SHSU students, closed for the day owing to the storm, we stopped by to see Johnson’s design.

The building, which has been expanded by Ricardo Legorreta, is stark white, with clean lines. It is perched on the seawall, and from the interior, at times provides a bunker like view into the harbor, where the USS Lexington serves as a historic artifact and museum.

Although we could not enter the building, we did peek through the windows, seeing a Dale Chihuly, Jesus Moroles, and Charles Pebworth. The real treat, however, was on the Museum’s lawn, where a large James Surls welcomes visitors.

The highlight for this group, however, was the Selena Memorial, which is on Corpus Christi’s Shoreline Drive. The site features a statue of Selena looking to the sea…

… a white flower facing west, and a cupola atop the memorial–which is titled “Mirador de la Flor,” or “Overlook of the Flower.”

Despite the rain, there were half a dozen people paying respects and taking selfies at the Memorial, us among them.

It was an interesting experience, interacting at a space designed to memorialize Selena’s tragically early death, while also capturing some of the hope and beauty reflected by Selena’s music.

And it was somewhat appropriate for the occasion, as our bi-cultural group returned to the car, slogged through torrential rains to South Padre, with hopes of a sunnier tomorrow and a bright future ahead.

A Day With the Founding Fathers

It’s difficult to see everything in Washington, DC. Knowing we would have limited time, we wanted to prioritize, and we made a “Founding Fathers” tour a priority. Fortunately, there are a lot of presidential homes in this area, and we were able to see Mount Vernon, Montpelier, and Monticello.

Mt. Vernon

Olivia Discon

Nestled along the banks of the Potomac River, Mount Vernon stands as a testament to the life and legacy of George Washington, the first President of the United States. Visiting this historic estate offers a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of the Father of the United States. After all, we had to see for ourselves what compelled President Washington to remark “I can truly say I had rather be at Mount Vernon with a friend or two about me, than to be attended at the Seat of Government by the Officers of State and Representatives of every Power in Europe”.

As you approach Mount Vernon, the sprawling estate emerges, surrounded by lush greenery and overlooking the tranquil waters of the Potomac. The estate’s centerpiece, the mansion itself, is a beautiful example of 18th-century architecture, with its iconic cupola and striking symmetry. Interestingly enough, the structure was entirely crafted with wood and painted with sand to make the exterior appear as stone.

Before our tour, we witnessed a performance on the field, where a group of volunteers played “Grand Old Flag” and “Star Spangled Banner.” The music filled the air, creating a sense of reverence and patriotism that was truly moving. The crowd, including us, thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful moment!

Stepping inside the Home, you are transported back in time to the days when Washington called Mount Vernon home.

The mansion’s interior reflects the elegance and charm of the period, with meticulously restored rooms that offer a glimpse into Washington’s life as a plantation owner, military leader, and statesman.

The 9 guest rooms, in particular, are stunningly beautiful, showcasing the luxury and comfort that guests of Mount Vernon would have experienced.

During the tour, we also had the opportunity to see George Washington’s place of death, adding a poignant note to the visit. Standing in the room where Washington spent his final moments was a powerful reminder of his humanity and longstanding impact on the United States of America.

We also had the honor of participating in a ceremony for George Washington at his tomb. It was here that we were able to pledge allegiance, listen to a piccolo rendition of “Taps” before our President.

The ceremony was a beautiful and respectful tribute to Washington’s memory, highlighting the reverence with which he is still held by many Americans today.

In our short time in D.C., we had the opportunity to witness both our first and current U.S. President’s firsthand. These experiences have very built on top of each other to reinforce and contextualize the future experiences we will make both in the rest of our time in D.C. and beyond.

Montpelier

Olivia Discon

In the midst of exploring the foundation of our country (and its various presidential residences), it seemed only fitting to add another to our list: James Madison’s “Montpelier.” The home of the founding father was a testament to his remarkable intellect, his refined attention to detail and his dedication to serving others.

The elegance of the mansion was immediately noted upon entry.

The grand foyer, with soaring ceilings and an immediate immersion into fanciful busts and portraiture, welcomed us into the home with a sense of grandeur. The parlors and sitting rooms, with their period furnishings and delicate decor, spoke of a time when entertaining was an art form.

My favorite room in President Madison’s lavish home was his study. His desk was littered with papers…

…and the room’s walls were lined with books.

It was here that he spent hours contemplating the future of the nation. The study opened into one of the most intriguing features of the home, which would be President Madison’s final resting place. Even as President Madison continued to grow sick, his sharp wit and intellectual curiosity never faltered. Though he laid in bed sick, there was a door that connected the bedroom to the dining room, allowing him to engage in conversations with guests and work late into the night without disturbing his wife, Dolley.

One of the most beautiful aspects of Montpelier was its gardens. Similarly to Madison’s Presidential counterparts, the gardens were a testament to his desire to create a retreat from the demands of such a highly publicized life. We spent a bit of time here enjoying the serene landscape and botanical design.

It was easy to imagine James Madison himself walking these halls, pondering the future of the young nation he helped create…

…and we were immensely grateful to be guests—albeit a couple of centuries late!

Monticello

Michelle Cardenas

After visiting Washington’s Mount Vernon and James Madison’s Montpelier, we were eager to explore Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. His beautiful estate is located in the rolling hills of Virginia.

I was extremely excited to visit Monticello, especially after my recent viewing of “Thomas Jefferson” by Ken Burns, a documentary that gave me a little bit of insight into Jefferson’s life and his home. Jefferson inherited thousands of acres from his father after he passed away. He had high hopes of one day building a home and with that the idea of Monticello was born.

Thomas Jefferson was incredibly intelligent; he was a man knowledgeable of many disciplines. He served as the third president of the United States and the principal author of the Declaration of Independence. However, he also had an incline toward architecture, engineering, innovation, and design. His love for Greek and Roman architecture influenced his design for Monticello as well as his admiration for the works of Andrea Palladio.

The home is incredible, the elements of the exterior are incredible, showcasing symmetry and one of the most famous Jeffersonian features, the dome. However, it does not compare to the interior of the home. Each room showcased amazing pieces that were collected by Jefferson and put on display for guests to observe and indulge in. Clocks, hunting trophies, animal skins, and fossils were on display.

The Parlor, which was my favorite room, was adorned with several paintings, portraits, chairs, Jefferson’s gadgets…

…beautiful drapery, chess boards, and maps.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Monticello is Jefferson’s inventive spirit. He wasn’t just a statesman; he was a visionary inventor. Jefferson created ingenious devices to make his daily life easier and more convenient. Amongst these inventions was the polygraph, a machine capable of making three copies of a document simultaneously. His home was adorned with various pulley systems, orchestrating tasks like serving wine with remarkable efficiency.

Construction of the home began in 1769 and concluded over 40 years later. The residence includes multiple guest bedrooms and cellars for food and wine storage to accommodate guests. Additionally, the home also included living quarters for servants, a blacksmith’s workshop,…

…a kitchen area, stables, and extensive farmland surrounding the main residence.

Walking through the halls of Monticello, there was something to admire in every corner. Jefferson held Monticello near and dear to his heart, it was his haven from his hectic career and political efforts. The home is a true testament to his brilliance and creativity. As we explored the grounds, we were reminded of the remarkable individuals who shaped our nation’s past and left an incredible mark on its future.

On the Outskirts of DC, the Center of Education

Cinthia Villarreal

To experience DC fully, we thought it important to visit just outside of the nation’s capital and explore a work by Frank Lloyd Wright, the Pope-Leighey House, and Old Town Alexandria.

Interestingly, Old Town Alexandria was, for many years, part of Washington, DC, but it was ceded back to Virginia in 1846. George Washington had a house in Alexandria, and he, in fact, surveyed the streets, which are laid out in a grid pattern.

It was a pleasure to see the historic buildings, the red-bricked streets, and the beautiful harbor area while learning more about the nation’s history and George Washington.

We also had the opportunity to see history of a more recent version: the work of Frank Lloyd Wright.

The Pope-Leighey house is the essence of what Wright believed a home should be. It is a “Usonian” home, so designated by Wright to reflect its fundamental democratic and American nature. Like almost all of his houses, it embodies a horizontal motif, embodying, Wright believed, the non-hierarchical society in the United States. Moreover, as a Usonian, it was designed to be affordable.

To keep them affordable, Wright kept them small, while still incorporating his unique touches.

Wright was a firm believer that a home’s first purpose is to provide shelter from the outdoors. He exemplified this by having a low roof as one entered the house, in order to transfer the person to a sense of confinement and safety–shelter.

Beyond the entrance, however, the interior opens in the central living area, where the need for mere “shelter” gives way to higher order needs of family togetherness. This sense of “compression and release” was central to Wright’s architectural philosophy, and this has been, over the decades, adapted to the “open-floor concept” of today.

Another aspect of huge importance for Wright is connection with nature. He wanted his design to blend with the outdoors, to be one with its surroundings, which he achieved at times by using materials from the immediate surroundings for the material structure of the home.

He also utilized “transitional spaces” to usher people from the outside of the home to the inside. So, the outside eaves might provide light, similar to outdoor windows.

The indoors, too, might have windows in unusual places, to allow for light from the outdoors.

And, in the “community spaces,” the windows would be large (and they often opened, as doors) to allow full interactivity with nature.

Wright’s Usonian designs definitely stand out to us compared to the historical houses we have visited and will visit throughout this week. Nonetheless, this was a great opportunity for us to expand out limited knowledge in architecture and see how history, art, and social living interact.

Dial “LEAP” for Entertainment

For the first weekend of the summer session the LEAP Ambassadors gathered with alumni and friends to attend another of the Alley Theatre’s wonderful productions, this one “Dial ‘M’ for Murder,” the Hitchcock classic adapted to the stage by Jeffrey Hatcher.

As is our norm, we met friends at the Houston Post Market for dinner. This venue allows everyone to try something new, while also providing for a diversity of taste options.

And the Post Market also provides a wonderful view–from the rooftop!

Although a casual dinner, it was celebratory. Not only was it a wonderful way to spend time with friends, but it was also the Spencers’ birthdays! Yes, they share the same birthday of June 1.

Following dinner, we zipped to The Alley Theatre, where we settled in for “Dial M for Murder.”

We were able to see some familiar faces, regulars from the Alley’s professional cast, such as Dylan Godwin (from SHSU) and Todd Waite. But we were also able to see some new (to us) talent, including Teresa Zimmerman, Geena Qintos, and Brandon Hearnsberger.

We loved the play, with some debate about whether this, “The Nerd,” or “Shear Madness” (at the Lincoln Center in DC) was the LEAP Ambassadors favorite among recent productions.

In broad outlines, the play follows the 1954 Hitchcock thriller, but this production added in more humor, particularly in the second half. There were also a few modernizations and an added twist, ensuring that even those familiar with the film classic will find new aspects of the thriller to enjoy.

All agreed that the sets and lighting were one of the chief assets of the production.

There was less consensus on which of the actors was the best, but everyone agreed that watching Todd Waite is a joy.

It was a wonderful way to spend an evening, precisely how we wished to kick off the summer session–with entertainment, education, and friendship.

Innovation in International Relations: A Conversation with Sweden’s Minister Tobias Billström

Michelle Cardenas

Although the semester has ended, the LEAP Ambassadors continue expanding their horizons, this time at a World Affairs Council event featuring Sweden’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tobias Billström. The event promised insightful dialogue and certainly delivered.

Before the moderated interview, Minister Billström took the podium to discuss Sweden’s latest efforts in space exploration.

It was fitting that he was about to present a talk on space in Houston, a city renowned as “Space City.” But Billstrom also highlighted the ways Sweden is leveraging its expertise to push the boundaries of space science and technology.

He spoke passionately about the need for safe and peaceful navigation of space, underscoring the potential for congestion and geopolitical conflicts in space. Sweden’s commitment to avoiding such conflicts is rooted in its Space Diplomacy Agenda, which aims to maximize the benefits of space exploration while fostering international cooperation and security.

Following his address on space, the stage was set for a discussion moderated by the World Affairs Council’s Sandija Bayot.

The conversation swiftly transitioned to Sweden’s strategic shift in defense policy, notably its recent decision to join NATO. Historically neutral, Sweden’s choice to join the alliance marks a significant departure from its non-military stance—a response, as Billström explained, to escalating threats from Russia.

“Sweden has always been a nation committed to peace,” Billström remarked, “but recent actions by Russia have made it clear that we must stand with our allies to ensure stability and security.” He pointed out that over 70% of Sweden’s parliament supported NATO membership, reflecting a strong consensus for collective defense.

Minister Billström also discussed the unique strengths Sweden brings to NATO. With advanced technology in defense and a well-equipped military, Sweden is fit to significantly contribute to the alliance. Billström emphasized the importance of integrating Sweden’s capabilities, particularly in areas like space and artificial intelligence, to enhance NATO’s overall defense strategy.

When asked about some of the challenges of joining NATO the minister acknowledged some of the complexities of aligning national interests within the alliance. “Defending Sweden now means defending our allies,” he noted, pointing out the need for a cohesive approach to security that respects the diverse interests of NATO members.

The discussion also touched upon broader geopolitical threats, including challenges posed by China and Russia. Billström articulated a clear-eyed view of global security, noting that Sweden’s defense strategies encompass a wide range of potential threats, from cyberattacks to strategic territorial ambitions. He emphasized that Sweden is prepared to defend itself and its allies. Addressing the issue of Russian aggression, he remarked, “Russia will always remain resentful unless there is a shift towards a better government,” highlighting the persistent challenge posed by Russia.

Nonetheless, Minister Billström’s sense of optimism, grounded in Sweden’s strategic alliances and technological advancements, left a lasting impression. The evening provided a unique opportunity to gain insight into diverse perspectives and varying national priorities. Hearing about Sweden’s forward-thinking plans was enlightening, sparking new considerations about cybersecurity and space exploration.

Culinary Passport: Unveiling the Tastes of Indonesia

Michelle Cardenas

Last week, we had the privilege to attend an event hosted by the World Affairs Council as part of their Culinary Passport Series. This time, our gastronomic adventure took us to the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Houston.

This event was especially fitting as it coincided with Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Month, a time dedicated to celebrating the rich heritage and contributions of the AAPI community.

The event began with the Consulate General, Andre Omer Siregar, who graced us with his welcoming remarks, sharing his pride in Indonesia’s rich cultural diversity and dynamic growth. He expressed his excitement to be among a group of people eager to learn more about his home country.

The main presentation offered us an overview of Indonesia and highlighted some of its best qualities. We learned about Indonesia’s current Democratic style of government and how it became home to a vibrant population and a robust economy. The Economic Affairs team, represented by Ita A. Puspitasari and Aswidya Indririsk, highlighted Indonesia’s economic innovations and the growing trade relationship with the United States. Their enthusiasm and pride in their country were evident, and it was inspiring to hear about the strides Indonesia is making on the global stage.

A part of the presentation I found particularly interesting was the mention of Indonesia’s representation in international media, with films such as “Cigarette Girl” on Netflix showcasing Indonesian culture and storytelling. Cultural representation matters, and it is clear that this is a source of immense pride for Indonesians and an exciting development for global audiences.

As the program drew to a close, we were introduced to an array of traditional Indonesian dishes.

The Consulate staff explained that hosting and preparing lavish banquets is an integral part of Indonesian culture, especially on special occasions. We were presented with a buffet-style dinner laid out for us, featuring a mouthwatering selection of dishes such as Nasi Goreng, Rendang, Sate Ayam, Gado-Gado, and Lontong.

Each dish was a testament to Indonesia’s rich culinary heritage, bursting with savory flavors and spices.

For many of us, this was our first encounter with Indonesian cuisine, and it was an experience we won’t soon forget.

Sampling these dishes was not just about tasting new flavors but also about gaining a deeper appreciation for the culture and traditions of Indonesia. Events like this enrich our understanding of the diverse world we live in and prepare us for future travels and cultural explorations.

We left with full stomachs and a newfound appreciation for the hospitality and warmth that Indonesian culture embodies. It was a perfect celebration of AAPI Month, fostering cultural exchange and culinary delight.

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